The Support Spot: Donate Life Month

National Donate Life Month

April is National Donate Life Month. It was established in 2003 by Donate Life America and is observed each year as a way to encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those who have saved and enhanced lives through the gift of donation. To learn more about Donate Life Month from Donate Life America, click here.

This month’s blog is dedicated to our donors and donor families, whose selfless and generous gifts inspire us every day. It is our honor to support you.

We know that recipients are also incredibly grateful for the gift of donation that they receive. And while some of you may still be waiting to hear from your loved one’s recipients, we want to share two heartfelt letters with you — one from an organ recipient and the other, a tissue recipient.

On behalf of all of us on the Donor Family Aftercare team, and LifeCenter Northwest, thank you to our donors and donor families.

Organ Recipient Letter:

Dear Donor Family,

Not long ago, we were given the gift of a kidney transplant. We had been waiting for 5 years.

I must first say that we are deeply sorry for the loss of your loved one.

I have been given a new chance at life. I no longer have to be on a dialysis machine for 11 hours every day, not being able to travel or spend a lot of time with my children, grand kids and other family.

My wife and I are also registered organ donors and believe in it 100%.

May you find the strength to know that your loved one saved another person. We think of your family often, which much appreciation.

With gratitude,

Your recipient

Tissue Recipient Letter:

Hello,

I am a military service member in the U.S. Army with many years of service. I tore my ACL while on duty and was fortunate to receive your loved one’s tissue as a graft that will allow me to heal and return to doing what I love, looking after my soldiers and being part of the Army band at all types of events.

As you are aware, being in the military requires a high level of physical fitness to which I will be able to return once I finish my rehab and the doctors clear me to return to full duty. I appreciate and cannot thank you enough for supporting your loved one’s decision to be a tissue donor. Your selfless choice has assured that I will be able to live with the best mobility possible through the rest of my military career.

Sending you much gratitude and respect,

A grateful tissue recipient

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